My love…

Sitting under the tree, looking at the blue sky, he went into the past.
He remembered his school, the classroom. He remembered the last words of Shalini
“I am going to Dehradoon”. Then she had stopped for a moment and said. “Forever”.
He was not able to say a single word. What he could have said? “I love you.” But he himself was not sure that he loved her. She took his hand in her hand and said. “You were the best thing which had happened in my life. Do not forget me”. Then she turned back never to look at him again.
He had not said a single word. This was the first time after he met her that he did not say anything. She also never waited for his words. Or she would have thought that he would tease her again. As in the past he used to tease her to such an extent that she would cry out tears. Chocolates was the only way to pacify her. But today nothing was happening. There was silence everywhere, though the students in the class were at the top of their voice. The chair beside him was empty. Earlier he used to hate the classes and always waited for the class to get over. But today he had no such desires. Constantly he was looking at the chair next to him. It was empty. When the class got over he did not know. It was only when the peon came to close the doors that he got up.
It was the same tree under which he used to sit with her after the school. Today he was alone. All alone. Children playing nearby were breaking the deafening silence. But for him everything had stopped. How can it happen to me? He thought. When she was here he never felt her presence. Never gave her importance. Sometimes did not talk to her. Would say her frankly “You are very irritating, just get lost”. And sensing the mood she would meekly walk away and he would feel comfortable. Never to bother about her feelings, her sentiments or her tears.
The dusk was falling. The mobile rang. It was the favorite tune of Shalini. “Jingle Bell Jingle Bell.” When are you coming back? A voice from the other side. Without answering he picked up his bag and started walking towards the house. A lifeless walk.

I am going to Dehradoon is what she had said. She had gone there several times. But this time she said “Forever”. A life without Shalini. Suddenly Shalini had become everything in his life. Standing on the terrace he felt lonely though millions of stars were looking at him. Were they sympathetic or were they laughing at him? Laughing…. At his love life. Love? The four letter word, which he always hated. How can a person love someone forever, die for his love and spoil his life for love? He used to ask his friends. And nobody was able to satisfy him with his or her answers. Did I love her? He asked himself. No it’s an impossibility. I cannot love a girl and that to Shalini. Just forget it. I am just becoming sentimental. I am just getting emotional. I have to achieve many things in my life. I should go and sleep now.

I cannot get involved in such nonsensical activities.

Life is precious……..life is to win, life is to be victorious always.

He closed his eyes and went to sleep.

He was shocked with surprise to see Shalini in the class. She was in front of him in his favorite green color dress. She was completely green. Not only the dress which she was wearing was green but also her hair band and sandals. She smiled at him and said. I know you cannot live without me so I decided to come back. I came back only for you, to be with you, to love you, to fight with you and to be teased by you. I am here for you forever.

Hurry up! The mother called him. Take your breakfast. You are getting late for the school. He did not answer. He did not hear anything.
Sitting on the bed his face was covered with his hands.
Is everything fine? Are you ok? And she removed his hands from his face.
Eyes red with tears. Face soaked with tears he said yes.
Give me breakfast , I have to go to school.
She has said she will not leave me? She must be waiting for me?

Purushottam Kumar
Bharati Vidyapeeth College Of Engineering
Pune, India